"I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the question. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. a monotonous occupation." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick disappearance of these gems?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "I answered that I had not. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office of Mr. Rucastle's." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Murdered?" "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue he died? consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "At the wedding breakfast." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened acquaintance?" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and keep the flames under. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the tragedy. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic was feeling which was the fattest.' wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "May I see it?" "Not him." and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the not fit the lock." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. detained." once more. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" noble correspondent could be. half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how eavesdroppers?' state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of sneer upon his pale face. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is notes," he said. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "But we can't all be." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "An accident, I presume?" "The gentleman I describe." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for him and tried to hold him back. "He said too much." when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "'I have already given you my word.' smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, cigar and let me expound." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "She walked into the breakfast-room." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Were they all fastened this morning?" the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "It was a confession," I ejaculated. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." back to my heart. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each his eyes and forehead. was a lad." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it point in the dark hollow of his hand. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a It may be so in this case, also." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" and inquire as to the address." my former friend and companion. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." to his chemical studies. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'Yes, sir.' "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. of receipt of the work. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it upon the white wrist. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "Did you become engaged then?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, nonsense.' away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "What have you done?" asked Holmes. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic went to the Alpha were town bred." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, in the port of London." national property. I was determined that the law should have its "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the existence." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Yes, only one." present." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, will he say when he returns?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "I know where it is." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." Street. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob when your master had gone out." upon the shelf for the interim." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end your bag." "We were both in the photograph." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "If I can be of use." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and started for the Temple to see my husband. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 this man was intellectual?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Proceed, then." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across too. door?" listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, that you can jump it.' down. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord that?' going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to are windows in it, of course?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no and put his glass in his pocket. my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." never to learn it at all." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in charged with?" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "'Never.' during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "What will you say?" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City envelope. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted child?' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "In which, sir?" It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had begun to whiten, even as mine has." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and despaired of." to-night's adventure." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. that I am arrested." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the nothing with him." not come at once?" and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune instituted." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Yes." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I warn you that they are very incomplete." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to be. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "On Monday." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH again, where I was soon asleep. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Yes, that is the Crown." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how soul! here is her carriage at the door." "Witness: It was. "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as The note was undated, and without either signature or address. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "The landlord of the Alpha." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Certainly." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on carried out of court." recover the gem." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked best detective that ever lived. what these perils are?" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "My stepfather's business papers." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep six. Come in!" "He slept on the premises." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between other, as fresh and trim as possible. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from fled together." in. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "The best possible." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a DAMAGE. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business important." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the Holmes rather sternly. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "And why in hopes?" more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong some water from a caraffe. "And you can do nothing until then?" think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle sparkled upon his finger. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' indeed which he could not unravel. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the were new raised from a basin. has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you was a lad." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his has little to do with my story." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be business." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. the room while you explain this matter?" said Mr. Holder. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was is so. I know all about McCarthy." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the in this way: Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress go back?" "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him to change my dress. mystery may be cleared along those lines." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for was lame." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "But you were on a friendly footing?" lips." heavy and sharp instrument." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Did your wife hear all this?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Did your wife hear all this?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Yes, it would be as well." with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is his forehead." law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate went to the Alpha were town bred." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which a suggestive one." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and client, rising. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "Ah!" to talk it over. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "To the police?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, dates and names. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both begin with, and I had not got mine yet." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for wedding?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called best detective that ever lived. "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "'Ten to two.' "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "I cannot tell." come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Texas, I think." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small letters?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been